Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 3 (UNI) Kerala Assembly was adjourned for the fourth consecutive day on Monday on Sabarimala row while three Opposition MLAs began an indefinite fast in front of the house in protest against the government stand not to discuss the issue.
When the house assembled this morning, the Opposition members were on their feet demanding the suspension of Question Hour and taking up a discussion on the Sabarimala issue.
When Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan denied the Opposition demand, the Congress-led UDF members entered the Well, shouted slogans against the Chief Minister and blocked the view of the Speaker using their large banners and placards.
In protest against the Speaker's stand, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala announced that thier three MLAs will stage an indefinite fast in front of the House, leading to a war of words between the Chief Minister and the Opposition leader.
Alleging that Opposition was having a tie-up with RSS and BJP, the Chief Minister said the Congress in Kerala was obeying the directions of BJP National President Amit Shah and not their National President Rahul Gandhi.
The Chief Minister's remarks provoked the Opposition members who entered the well which led to heated arguments with the members in treasury benches.
Mr Ramesh said RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri was given the police mike during a protest at Sabarimala showing nexus between the CPI (M) and RSS.
Announcing that UDF members--- VS Shivakumar, N Jayaraj and Parakkal Abdullah will stage a sit-in dharna in front of the House, the Opposition leader demanded the withdrawal of all kinds of police restrictions in Sabarimala.
Amid noisy scenes, the Chair rushed through the business listed for the day, suspended the Question Hour, Calling Attention, and adjourned the house for the day.
Meanwhile, BJP Kerala General Secretary AN Radhakrishnan began an indefinite fast in front of the State Secretariat in protest against the arrest of party's General Secretary K Surendran and police highhandedness in Sabarimala.
UNI DS CS 1045